sunnyglow's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:4.3
- Helpful Votes:80,084
- Reviews Submitted:818
- First Review:November 27, 2011
- Most Recent Review:April 24, 2025
- Featured reviews0
Status:
Can you save the world from an ancient magic?
Overall rating
5
/
5
114 of 198 found this review helpful
‘ROAMIN’ IN THE ‘GLOAMIN’ ON THE LOOKOUT FOR NESSIE
PostedJune 22, 2019
sunnyglow
fromPoor Merlin! He was not the best mentor to Morgan. He paid the price! “Owl” bet he is “wiser” now and wished he had given a “hoot” about her sibling rivalry with King Arthur.
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
REVIEW BASED UPON THE ENTIRE GAME:
5 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 37 Pages
5 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 37 Pages
OPINION: Laddies and Lassies! You will be ‘roamin’ in the ‘gloamin’ as you, a young student, head off to the Scottish countryside. This is my favorite series from EIPIX, and I found this game a vast improvement from the previous ones. The story is a clever patchwork of myths, weaving the ones surrounding “Nessie,” the Loch Ness monster with those of King Arthur and his “enchanting” sister, Morgan Le Fay. Play a young student under the tutelage of Master Colin, a tutor who believes in “hands on” education. The pace is excellent with a wide array of interactive activities.
The graphics are colorful and portray a bucolic image of a bygone era of Scotland. To add to the pastoral imagery is a flute which sits at the side of inventory bar. This gimmicky flute is used to summon animals when their help is needed. It lights up and provides a picture puzzle to be solved. I hate gimmicks in games; however, the eleven (11) puzzles which accompany the use of the flute are creatively designed. Each puzzle has puzzle pieces which must be maneuvered by using the four (4) keys of the flute, creating an image of the animal involved. Each puzzle is unique and non-repetitive.
There is only one collectible, owls. Most are easy to locate. There are morphing objects within most of the HOP scenes, some which I found a little difficult to locate. There are no morphing objects within the scenes of the game. Upon completion of the game, return to the scenes in search of souvenirs, which are wooden animal statues. Many of the souvenirs are cleverly hidden within the scenes requiring an intensive search by opening doors, cabinets, and other items to locate many of them. At the end of the game there are puzzles and HOP scenes which can be replayed along with the Skipping Stones game provided with the HOP scenes.
There are eighteen (18) HOP scenes, with some of those being mini-HOP scenes. Most of the scenes are lists of items, silhouette, or matching pairs. They are standard fare seen in most games. There is one FROG scene and one storybook scene in the demo. Most of the scenes are set in junk piles. They are decent; however, I found none very interactive or exceptional in design. The Skipping Stones game can be played in lieu of the scenes.
There are twenty-seven (27) puzzles within the game. There are twenty-six (26) which can be replayed. The puzzles are ones seen in most games. They include a maze puzzle, a unique matching puzzle using a myriad of clock hands, and several rotating rings and moving tiles puzzles. There is one logic puzzle which I enjoyed in the demo which requires matching potions with ingredients according to given clues. Most of the puzzles are of middle difficulty. I found none which were extremely easy nor terribly difficult.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• Thirteen (13) achievements – some with 3 parts
• Collect thirty-eight (38) signs (owls)
• Collect twelve (12) morphing objects within the HOP scenes
• Collect thirty (30) souvenirs (wooden animals)
• Gimmicky flute to summon animals (Play a puzzle when used)
• Eight (8) wallpapers along with concept art, music and video sequences
• Replay twenty-six (26) puzzles and twelve (12) HOP scenes
• Skipping Stones game available at the end of the game.
• Thirteen (13) achievements – some with 3 parts
• Collect thirty-eight (38) signs (owls)
• Collect twelve (12) morphing objects within the HOP scenes
• Collect thirty (30) souvenirs (wooden animals)
• Gimmicky flute to summon animals (Play a puzzle when used)
• Eight (8) wallpapers along with concept art, music and video sequences
• Replay twenty-six (26) puzzles and twelve (12) HOP scenes
• Skipping Stones game available at the end of the game.
BONUS CHAPTER: It is a prequel. Join Vanessa (Nessie) from the main game in her quest to locate the Stone of Gormire. It is a long chapter and I found the story and graphics equal in quality to the main game. To me, it is well-worth the price of a collector’s edition designation. There are five (5) puzzles and four (4) HOP scenes in this chapter. Continue to collect the collectibles within this chapter.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE PUZZLES AFTER DEMO:
A. Mathematical puzzle. Move numbered pegs between four columns so that the sum of the numbers on each of the 4 columns equals the given number for each column.
B. Matching puzzle. Move a series of clock hands on a circle so that each pair of hands point to the same symbol.
C. *Flute puzzle. Assembly/Switch puzzle. Using the 4 notes of a flute, switch pieces of an image of a beaver until the image is restored. (There are 11 of this type of assembly puzzle within the game)
D. Maze puzzle. Pull a key through a maze to an opening at the other end
E. Rotating rings puzzle. Using arrows, rotate 5 rings to match colored orbs with their outside frame.
BONUS CHAPTER:
F. Logic puzzle. On a 6 x 6 grid light all tokens. Clicking on a token will light all the other tokens surrounding it and vice versa.
G. *Flute puzzle. Using 4 notes on the flute, rotate pieces to restore the image of a squirrel.
H. Moving bars puzzle. Move bars to create a path for a token to move from left to an opening at the right of the screen.
B. Matching puzzle. Move a series of clock hands on a circle so that each pair of hands point to the same symbol.
C. *Flute puzzle. Assembly/Switch puzzle. Using the 4 notes of a flute, switch pieces of an image of a beaver until the image is restored. (There are 11 of this type of assembly puzzle within the game)
D. Maze puzzle. Pull a key through a maze to an opening at the other end
E. Rotating rings puzzle. Using arrows, rotate 5 rings to match colored orbs with their outside frame.
BONUS CHAPTER:
F. Logic puzzle. On a 6 x 6 grid light all tokens. Clicking on a token will light all the other tokens surrounding it and vice versa.
G. *Flute puzzle. Using 4 notes on the flute, rotate pieces to restore the image of a squirrel.
H. Moving bars puzzle. Move bars to create a path for a token to move from left to an opening at the right of the screen.
I recommend this game!
Can you stop an evil entity from taking over in time?
Overall rating
3
/
5
66 of 128 found this review helpful
A SHADOW OF PREVIOUS GAMES FROM THIS DEVELOPER
PostedJune 15, 2019
sunnyglow
fromLocation: The Shadow Realm. Is this game the shadow of things to come? This game is a shadow of previous games within this series.
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
REVIEW BASED UPON THE ENTIRE GAME:
5 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 41 Pages
5 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 41 Pages
OPINION: With a story set against the backdrop of earthquakes, I found this game neither a groundbreaking nor an earthshaking one! I have played better games from this developer. This latest entry from the series is decent; however, it does not approach the creative excellence demonstrated in other games by this developer. It is a short, mediocre game; however, both the main game and the bonus chapter have immersive stories with an ample amount of activities to provide a decent pace. For me, the demo is the best part of the game with the rest of the game falling flat - lacking creative design for both the puzzles and the HOP scenes. With its nonchallenging puzzles and conventional HOP scenes, this game should appeal to those who like an easy-breezy game.
With a few exceptions, I was disappointed by the HOP scenes. There are only twenty (20) within the entire game. The scenes from the demo are more creatively designed than those after the demo. Most of the scenes are either lists of items or silhouette. Most are searches set in junk piles with items unrelated to game’s theme. There are a few scenes which I found creatively designed. In one of the silhouette scenes, there is a search for items in an ice cream truck used to create three (3) luscious ice cream delights. In another beautiful scene, there is a search for bouquets of flowers within a greenhouse. There are also a couple of searches which provide three (3) different scenes in which to locate items. I wish there more scenes like these; I found most of the HOP scenes very boring.
There are twenty-eight (28) puzzles, six (6) of which are the same matching puzzle tied to a gimmicky lamp used in the game. This lamp puzzle consists of matching only two (2) sets of symbols. Just ridiculous! I found it boring and filler for the game. Most of the other puzzles are easy - some which I would hardly call puzzles. One of my biggest complaints about Mad Head games is that you cannot replay the puzzles, only the HOP scenes. With a larger number of puzzles than HOP scenes, I wish Mad Head would provide the option to replay some of the puzzles.
The collectibles consist of morphing objects and the same swirls seen in every Mad Head game. I found both easy to locate. At the end of the game, the player can return to the scenes from the game to locate treasures which consist of some object inserted within the scenes. They are easy to locate – a little too easy for my taste. Most of the treasures practically jump out at you!
MECHANICS:
• Five (5) levels of play including a customized version.
• Ten (10) achievements – five (5) with 3 parts.
• Collect thirty-six (36) morphing objects and forty-five (45) swirls There is an indicator to indicate if there is one in the scene and if it has been collected
• Return to the scenes and collect twenty-one (21) treasures at the end of the game.
• Gimmicky lamp to get rid of negative energy. Play a matching puzzle to use it.
• Four (4) wallpapers along with concept art and music selections
• Replay seventeen (17) HOP scenes
• Ten (10) achievements – five (5) with 3 parts.
• Collect thirty-six (36) morphing objects and forty-five (45) swirls There is an indicator to indicate if there is one in the scene and if it has been collected
• Return to the scenes and collect twenty-one (21) treasures at the end of the game.
• Gimmicky lamp to get rid of negative energy. Play a matching puzzle to use it.
• Four (4) wallpapers along with concept art and music selections
• Replay seventeen (17) HOP scenes
STORY: Since childhood, the disappearance of the mining town of Harrowstead has fascinated you. Now, you, Thea, as an adult, have joined a writing team to investigate and write a book about what happened at that locale. Upon receiving an urgent call from a member of your writing team, you are off to investigate similar incidents happening at the neighboring town of Windton. An earthquake has unleashed a monster who feeds upon the hopes and fears of its victims. A special lamp from the past should shine some light on the situation and help you in your quest to defeat this monster from the Shadow Realm.
BONUS CHAPTER: It is sequel. Your writing team has finally published a best seller, a book about Harrowstead. Now that the book is completed, Riley has returned to work as an investigator. When a mother contacts Riley about the disappearance of her son, Kevin, he finds himself back at a mansion where remnants of the Shadow Realm still exist. In this chapter play both Riley and Kevin, the missing boy. As Riley, try to help Kevin escape from the Shadow Realm. There are four (4) HOP scenes and four (4) puzzles. Continue to collect the morphing objects and swirls. Instead of a lamp, this chapter has a gimmicky camcorder which is used to see shadows within the mansion. I found this chapter to be of the same quality as the main game
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE PUZZLES AFTER THE DEMO:
A. Switch puzzle. Switch and rotate four bus signs on a pole according to given clues on the pole itself. Every sign must be situated in the proper location and direction on the pole.
B. Lamp puzzle. Match up two sets of symbols. (Used 6 times in the game)
C. Matching puzzle. Using arrows, rotate and adjust the size of symbols on each of 4 sides of a lantern so they match up with their given slots. Increase and decrease the size until all fit into the slots.
D. Logic puzzle. Cut 5 boards with a saw - choosing the proper spot which will not break the saw nor destroy the blades
E. Matching puzzle. Match images beneath leaves
F. Connection puzzle. (1) Connect geometrically shaped crystals in the proper sequence. (2) Connect game characters in the proper sequence.
BONUS CHAPTER:
G. Assembly puzzle. Create a path to lead a king to his crown by inserting path segments into the grid, following given instructions.
H. Assembly puzzle. Place mirror shards into the proper location to restore the mirror.
B. Lamp puzzle. Match up two sets of symbols. (Used 6 times in the game)
C. Matching puzzle. Using arrows, rotate and adjust the size of symbols on each of 4 sides of a lantern so they match up with their given slots. Increase and decrease the size until all fit into the slots.
D. Logic puzzle. Cut 5 boards with a saw - choosing the proper spot which will not break the saw nor destroy the blades
E. Matching puzzle. Match images beneath leaves
F. Connection puzzle. (1) Connect geometrically shaped crystals in the proper sequence. (2) Connect game characters in the proper sequence.
BONUS CHAPTER:
G. Assembly puzzle. Create a path to lead a king to his crown by inserting path segments into the grid, following given instructions.
H. Assembly puzzle. Place mirror shards into the proper location to restore the mirror.
I recommend this game!
Can you save the Heavenfall campers from a malevolent force in time?
Overall rating
4
/
5
112 of 158 found this review helpful
A SHORT STAY AT SUMMER CAMP TO EARN A DETECTIVE’S “BADGE”
PostedJune 13, 2019
sunnyglow
fromLocation: At summer camp scouting around for monsters to earn a detective’s “badge!”
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
REVIEW BASED UPON THE ENTIRE GAME:
4 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 45 Pages
4 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 45 Pages
OPINION: Summer is here and what better way to spend an evening than camping with the chimeras? Instead of listening to campfire story, this game will entrap you into the story itself. Although not my favorite series from Elephant Games, the mildly scary theme captured my interest. For me, this is the best game of the series thus far. Although a short game, it has a well-written story along with some creatively designed HOP scenes and puzzles. There are not many puzzles within this game. With most of those being nonchallenging, this is an easy breezy game which should appeal to adults and children alike.
There are three collectibles - statues, puzzle pieces, and photos. I found the puzzle pieces well-hidden; however, I found the statues and photos easy to locate. I enjoyed the secret room final puzzle. It is more of a HOP scene than a puzzle. Search through all the scenes from the game searching for six (6) items. The number to locate of each item increases as you continue the search. You are timed in this final puzzle.
There are an equal number of HOP scenes and puzzles. There are only twenty-one (21) HOP scenes. The HOP scenes are standard fare - lists of items and silhouette scenes with some interactivity. There is also a matching pairs scene. The final scene in the main game consists of rotating 3 rings to create the items to be removed. Usually the final scene in most games is a puzzle; however, the final scene from the bonus chapter is a HOP scene.
There are only twenty (20) puzzles. Although they are creatively designed, there are not many of them. They are variations of ones seen in other games. I was somewhat disappointed by the lack of puzzles, especially the lack of any challenging ones. However, I realize there are some who do not like puzzle-laden games. My favorite was a maze puzzle in which the player must traverse a foggy maze (which remains foggy throughout playing it) searching for keys to open other parts of the maze - arriving at a chest with a special key.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• Twenty-three (23) achievements.
• Collect twenty-six (26) morphing objects (characters from the game)
• Collect forty-eight (48) puzzle pieces to create four (4) jigsaw puzzles played after the game.
• Collect twelve (12) photos of monsters
• Twelve (12) wallpapers along with concept art and music selections
• Replay thirteen (13) mini-games and twelve (12) HOP scenes.
• Secret puzzle within the secret room consisting of searching for a specific number of six (6) morphing items within the scenes from the game.
• Twenty-three (23) achievements.
• Collect twenty-six (26) morphing objects (characters from the game)
• Collect forty-eight (48) puzzle pieces to create four (4) jigsaw puzzles played after the game.
• Collect twelve (12) photos of monsters
• Twelve (12) wallpapers along with concept art and music selections
• Replay thirteen (13) mini-games and twelve (12) HOP scenes.
• Secret puzzle within the secret room consisting of searching for a specific number of six (6) morphing items within the scenes from the game.
OVERVIEW/STORY: Detective! Pack up your camping gear and head out to summer camp! While there, you will be able to participate in your own scary campfire story! An ancient evil has been released by the camp counselors. The result is that monsters have been released as well and the counselors along with you are trapped within this camp. You will earn your detective badge dealing with these monsters and the evil entity behind them. Locate the cause of the monsters and send them packing before the campers arrive at camp!
BONUS CHAPTER: It is a sequel. Summer camp has ended with the camp becoming a nature reserve. However, an evildoer is stealing the magic from Black Lake by kidnapping plants and animals to collect this magic. With the help of Astrid and a fairy, return the magic back to this camp. Unlike the main game, this chapter is of decent size for a bonus chapter. There are six (6) HOP scenes and six (6) puzzles. I like the story behind this chapter. I found the puzzles better than in the main game as well.
BONUS CHAPTER: It is a sequel. Summer camp has ended with the camp becoming a nature reserve. However, an evildoer is stealing the magic from Black Lake by kidnapping plants and animals to collect this magic. With the help of Astrid and a fairy, return the magic back to this camp. Unlike the main game, this chapter is of decent size for a bonus chapter. There are six (6) HOP scenes and six (6) puzzles. I like the story behind this chapter. I found the puzzles better than in the main game as well.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE A FEW OF THE TWENTY (20) MINI-GAMES FROM THE GAME:
A. Assembly puzzle. Combine four (4) symbols which, when combined, create a given larger symbol 3X Puzzles increase in difficulty.
B. Matching/Alignment puzzle. Move 6 fish, each attached to a fish line, so that each one is in the row with its matching colored token. Moving one fish line affects the others.
C. Rotating tiles puzzle. Rotate hexagon shaped pieces to create a picture.
D. Sequence puzzle. On 5 rows with stars – use arrows at the side to move each row of stars so that each column has the number of stars indicated on a given code.
E. Switch puzzle. Switch pictures so that each one is placed in the location on the grid which contains the items shown at the top of the column and side of the row in which it is placed.
BONUS CHAPTER:
F. Maze puzzle. Traverse a foggy maze searching for keys along the way to open other parts of the maze. Your journey will take you to a chest with a special key.
G. Checkers puzzle. On a triangular shaped grid which contains triangles, remove the triangles by jumping over each other until only one remains.
B. Matching/Alignment puzzle. Move 6 fish, each attached to a fish line, so that each one is in the row with its matching colored token. Moving one fish line affects the others.
C. Rotating tiles puzzle. Rotate hexagon shaped pieces to create a picture.
D. Sequence puzzle. On 5 rows with stars – use arrows at the side to move each row of stars so that each column has the number of stars indicated on a given code.
E. Switch puzzle. Switch pictures so that each one is placed in the location on the grid which contains the items shown at the top of the column and side of the row in which it is placed.
BONUS CHAPTER:
F. Maze puzzle. Traverse a foggy maze searching for keys along the way to open other parts of the maze. Your journey will take you to a chest with a special key.
G. Checkers puzzle. On a triangular shaped grid which contains triangles, remove the triangles by jumping over each other until only one remains.
I recommend this game!
Can you stop a deadly magic from destroying the land?
Overall rating
5
/
5
133 of 201 found this review helpful
A GAME WHICH “ECLIPSES” MANY OTHERS – A MONSTROUS SUCCESS!
PostedJune 6, 2019
sunnyglow
fromAlthough not the best scenario, Evelyn (our heroine in this game) should be thankful that the admirer she is “faced” with in the bonus chapter is “faceless.” That is certainly a better option than one who is “two-faced!”
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
REVIEW GASED UPON THE ENTIRE GAME
6 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 53 Pages
6 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 53 Pages
OPINION: “Trolling” for a great game to play? This fantastic game may fit the bill. As with all their other games, Domini provides more game for the money. It is a long game filled with those little extras that most developers do not provide. It has an excellent pace with creatively designed HOP scenes and puzzles galore. Domini is known for the puzzles within their games; however, the HOP scenes in this game are some of the best I have played in some time. Although I did not care for the nonsensical story (vengeful trolls causing chaos in their quest for an eternal eclipse), the activities from this game make up for the lack of an engaging story. Domini is my favorite developer and this game is a perfect example of why they are the one to beat among HOP game developers.
There are eighteen (18) HOP scenes and all can be replayed at the end of the game. There are also four (4) mini-HOP scenes containing a small number of items to be located. There are the usual interactive scenes with lists of items and silhouettes; however, there are also storybook, matching, rebus, and replacement scenes. One of the HOP scenes in the main game is breathtaking, featuring tropical birds which must be matched. There is a new style of rebus scene in which two items must be located. These two items, when combined, create the rebus item listed. One of my favorites is the slider scene in which the player must move the silhouette of the item onto the item itself before removing it. I also found one very creative scene in the bonus chapter in which the player searches for family crests based on three items described in the list.
This is a puzzle-lovers delight! There are forty (40) minigames. Twenty-seven (27) can be replayed at the end of the game! Incredible! Most of the minigames have the option to be played in either an “easy” or “hard” mode. The ability to choose the difficulty creates an easy/breezy game for some and a little more challenge for others. There are two Rube-Goldberg puzzles in the demo – one is an escape puzzle in which the player must escape a maze by playing four (4) puzzles. The other involves three (3) different types of picture puzzles. There is quite a variety of puzzles throughout the game, some which are novel. In a gear puzzle, instead of having the gears mesh with each other, the player must switch the gears to create a picture instead.
This is a puzzle-lovers delight! There are forty (40) minigames. Twenty-seven (27) can be replayed at the end of the game! Incredible! Most of the minigames have the option to be played in either an “easy” or “hard” mode. The ability to choose the difficulty creates an easy/breezy game for some and a little more challenge for others. There are two Rube-Goldberg puzzles in the demo – one is an escape puzzle in which the player must escape a maze by playing four (4) puzzles. The other involves three (3) different types of picture puzzles. There is quite a variety of puzzles throughout the game, some which are novel. In a gear puzzle, instead of having the gears mesh with each other, the player must switch the gears to create a picture instead.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• Thirty-three (33) achievements.
• Collect fifteen (15) morphing paintings, fifteen (15) scrolls, and seventy (70) medallions
• Replay twenty-seven (27) minigames and eighteen (18) HOP scenes
• Bestiary book to tame monsters. Play a puzzle every time the book is used.
• Twenty (20) wallpapers along with concept art and music selections.
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• Thirty-three (33) achievements.
• Collect fifteen (15) morphing paintings, fifteen (15) scrolls, and seventy (70) medallions
• Replay twenty-seven (27) minigames and eighteen (18) HOP scenes
• Bestiary book to tame monsters. Play a puzzle every time the book is used.
• Twenty (20) wallpapers along with concept art and music selections.
BONUS CHAPTER: It is a different story and a long chapter well-worth the price of a collector’s edition. Play Amber, the mother of Evelyn from the main game. When Evelyn’s boyfriend arrives to inform you that she has disappeared, you are off to find her. A misguided evildoer, Faceless, is behind her disappearance and now you must enter the Void to save her. There are six (6) HOP scenes and eight (8) minigames. Continue to collect all the collectibles within this chapter.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE FORTY (40) MINIGAMES WITHIN THE GAME:
A. Moving tiles puzzle. Rotate crystals so they all fit precisely into a given hexagonal grid.
B. Gears/Switch puzzle. Unique puzzle in which you must switch and rotate gears to restore on image. Clever new hybrid puzzle
C. Assembly puzzle. Rotate pieces of a kite so they fit into their proper slots. Then place bi-colored feathers into position matching the color of the kite pieces next to them.
D. Logic puzzle. A merchant gives cryptic clues about items within a scene. Choose the correct item within the scene to fit the clue given
E. Beat the computer. Collect more sun tokens than your opponent’s moon tokens. Landing next to a moon token will change it to a sun token and vice versa.
BONUS CHAPTER:
F. Map puzzle. Place arrows on a map to lead a figure to an "X" on the left side of the grid while avoiding vortexes. You must also pass through every set of footsteps on the grid once.
G. Logic puzzle. Place 8 tokens in the proper sequence on a cryptex following clues given on a sheet of paper.
H. Switch puzzle. On a 5 x 5 grid, place masks of different colors and emotions so that no two masks share the same color or emotion in each row and column.
I. Maze puzzle. Lead a mask along paths to a slot at the bottom of the maze. Pass over slots which change the direction of the paths.
B. Gears/Switch puzzle. Unique puzzle in which you must switch and rotate gears to restore on image. Clever new hybrid puzzle
C. Assembly puzzle. Rotate pieces of a kite so they fit into their proper slots. Then place bi-colored feathers into position matching the color of the kite pieces next to them.
D. Logic puzzle. A merchant gives cryptic clues about items within a scene. Choose the correct item within the scene to fit the clue given
E. Beat the computer. Collect more sun tokens than your opponent’s moon tokens. Landing next to a moon token will change it to a sun token and vice versa.
BONUS CHAPTER:
F. Map puzzle. Place arrows on a map to lead a figure to an "X" on the left side of the grid while avoiding vortexes. You must also pass through every set of footsteps on the grid once.
G. Logic puzzle. Place 8 tokens in the proper sequence on a cryptex following clues given on a sheet of paper.
H. Switch puzzle. On a 5 x 5 grid, place masks of different colors and emotions so that no two masks share the same color or emotion in each row and column.
I. Maze puzzle. Lead a mask along paths to a slot at the bottom of the maze. Pass over slots which change the direction of the paths.
I recommend this game!
Can you stop a past case from destroying the present?
Overall rating
5
/
5
187 of 297 found this review helpful
HOLMES IS ON THE CASE – MS. HOLMES THAT IS!
PostedMay 30, 2019
sunnyglow
from“Enquiring” minds want to know – What is the relationship between “the woman” for Sherlock Holmes, Irene Adler, and Kiron Adler? Hopefully that mystery will be taken up in the next installment of this series!
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
REVIEW BASED UPON THE ENTIRE GAME
3 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 35 pages
3 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 35 pages
OPINION: What a fantastic new detective series! This is a great first game for this new series from Elephant Games. It is a short game; however, it has a nice pace which makes up for its brevity. I would rather play a short well-crafted game than one which is drawn out and snail-paced. Instead of Watson, it appears Ms. Holmes will have Kiron Adler as a sidekick in this series. Hopefully we will see more of Adler in upcoming games. The repartee between the two is a clever device which adds some comic relief to the game. Adler’s roguish demeanor contrasts nicely with the more serious tone from Ms. Holmes.
The game should appeal to those who love whodunits or to those who love to play easy breezy games. The graphics present a nice depiction of Victorian England. With the presence of the strong female character, Ms. Holmes, I would also recommend this game for young girls.
There are thirty (30) minigames. Most of these are easy, although there are a few which are moderately difficult. Most are variations seen in other games. To remind the player of the order of events involved in solving this whodunnit, several sequence puzzles are provided. In these puzzles the player must connect statements concerning the events in the proper order in which they appear in the game.
There are twenty-four (24) HOP scenes within the game. Nine (9) of the scenes are mini-HOP scenes in which a small number of items (between 6 to 8) are to be located. Most of the scenes are either lists of items or silhouette. They are standard fare seen in most games. There are a few multiple-step ones in which the player searches for items in one format and then switches to another format to search for more items. Some of the multiple-step scenes contain searches for morphing objects. Also included are a replacement scene, a spot-the-differences and a matching scene.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• Twenty (20) achievements.
• Collect twenty-four (24) morphing objects
• Collect thirty-two (32) picture fragments to assemble four (4) photos
• Collect twelve (12) bobblehead dolls
• Ten (10) Wallpapers along with concept art and music sequences.
• Replay twelve (12) minigames and thirteen (13) HOP scenes
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• Twenty (20) achievements.
• Collect twenty-four (24) morphing objects
• Collect thirty-two (32) picture fragments to assemble four (4) photos
• Collect twelve (12) bobblehead dolls
• Ten (10) Wallpapers along with concept art and music sequences.
• Replay twelve (12) minigames and thirteen (13) HOP scenes
OVERVIEW/STORY: It has been fifteen (15) years since Sherlock Holmes has been seen. Since his disappearance crime is rampant! However, a new champion of justice has emerged, Ms. Holmes. In the first game in this series, join this new sleuth in a case involving the Baskervilles. A monster has been seen prowling the Baskervilles estate, even breaking into the mansion itself. Discover the mysterious circumstances plaguing the owner, Albert Baskervilles. As the inventor of a valuable infusion device he is in the danger from an unlikely source. As you assist Ms. Holmes, discover some starting secrets and a plot involving a sinister evildoer.
BONUS CHAPTER: It is sequel. Play Kiron Adler. Albert Baskerville is in trouble again! Return to the estate in time to see him kidnapped. Now you, as a budding detective, must save him from an evildoer out for revenge! I found this chapter a nice addition to the game. There are six (6) mnigames and six (6) HOP scenes – three (3) of which are mini-HOP scenes. Continue searching for collectibles within this chapter. The story is as well-written as that in the main chapter.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE MINIGAMES AFTER THE DEMO:
A. Connection puzzle. Rotate 3 rings so that paths are created from four flowers in the center ring to connectors along the outer ring.
B. Matching puzzle. Unusual puzzle in which you separate matching pairs on a grid by using sticks to divide each set of pairs from the other pairs.
C. Defeat the evildoer. Match-3 game. Match 3 or more colored tokens to fill up your three colored bars (based on the colors of the matching items) before the villain does. You and the villain each have different colored tokens
D. Switch puzzle. Place 6 file folders in chronological order.
E. Switch puzzle. Switch hexagonal pieces to restore an image.
F. Assembly puzzle. Click on bits which have different cuts until you locate those which match up and mesh with a center mechanism. Press start to check if your selection is correct. 2X
BONUS CHAPTER
G. Connection puzzle. On a grid, move a token through every square within the grid without retracing steps.
H. Maze puzzle. Rotate a maze with trees within it so that a bee can reach his beehive. As you rotate the bee, arrows appear which indicate the direction the bee can move. Unique puzze not seen before.
I. Switch puzzle. Switch and rotate tokens with arrows upon them so that all are positioned by color and the arrows are pointing in the proper direction.
B. Matching puzzle. Unusual puzzle in which you separate matching pairs on a grid by using sticks to divide each set of pairs from the other pairs.
C. Defeat the evildoer. Match-3 game. Match 3 or more colored tokens to fill up your three colored bars (based on the colors of the matching items) before the villain does. You and the villain each have different colored tokens
D. Switch puzzle. Place 6 file folders in chronological order.
E. Switch puzzle. Switch hexagonal pieces to restore an image.
F. Assembly puzzle. Click on bits which have different cuts until you locate those which match up and mesh with a center mechanism. Press start to check if your selection is correct. 2X
BONUS CHAPTER
G. Connection puzzle. On a grid, move a token through every square within the grid without retracing steps.
H. Maze puzzle. Rotate a maze with trees within it so that a bee can reach his beehive. As you rotate the bee, arrows appear which indicate the direction the bee can move. Unique puzze not seen before.
I. Switch puzzle. Switch and rotate tokens with arrows upon them so that all are positioned by color and the arrows are pointing in the proper direction.
I recommend this game!
Can you reveal the murderer’s identity before it’s too late?
Overall rating
5
/
5
176 of 278 found this review helpful
OFF TO AN ISLAND RETREAT? ARRIVE AT A JUDGMENT FOR MURDER
PostedMay 23, 2019
sunnyglow
fromLooking for the perfect Father’s Day gift? How about Judge McGregor’s watch? This little device will truly turn back the “hands of time” for dear old dad!
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
REVIEW BASED UPON THE ENTIRE GAME:
5 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 49 Pages
5 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 49 Pages
OPINION: What a fantastic murder mystery! Domini Games is my favorite developer and this game is a great start to a new series. Hopefully there will be more games like this one in the future. This is a long, well-written and creatively designed whodunnit. There is a host of suspects involved in this case. Trying to guess the masked avenger and the judge’s killer will be no easy task. I don’t like gimmicks in games; however, I feel the judge’s watch is a clever device providing a speedy analysis of the veracity of each suspect’s statement. This is fast-paced game with many activities to engage the player.
Domini always provides more game for the money than other developers. There are quite a few collectibles. There is an indicator on the inventory bar indicating if there are any of the three collectibles within the scene. The graphics still have a significant amount of vivid purple and neon green; however, it is more subtle in this game than those from previous games.
The game is designed to provide both an easy play for some while providing a little challenge for others. Most of the puzzles can be played in either an “easy” or “hard” mode. This can be set in the main menu; however, the difficulty of each puzzle can be changed while playing the game. This is a puzzle lovers delight. There are thirty-three (33) minigames. Two of those have three (3) puzzles in succession within the minigame. They are creatively designed and ones which I will replay.
There are only seventeen (17) HOP scenes; however, all can be replayed. There are also a couple of mini-HOP scenes with a small number of some item to be collected. A Match-3 game can be played in lieu of the scenes. Most of the scenes are lists of items or silhouette scenes which require manipulation of items within the scene before they can be removed. My favorite scene is in the bonus chapter. In the last HOP scene of the game, many of the items are morphing objects.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• Choose between playing a male or female character
• Thirty-three (33) achievements.
• Collect forty-four (44) coins used to purchase items for your “office”
• Collect fourteen (14) pieces of evidence and thirteen (13) morphing photos
• Ten (10 wallpapers along with concept art, music and video sequences
• Replay eighteen (18) mini-games and seventeen (17) HOP scenes
• Choose between the level of difficulty (hard or easy) for the puzzles in the game within the menu.
• Judge’s Pocket Watch. The watch is a truth detector which allows the player to view the past as it truly happened as opposed to the statements from the suspects.
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• Choose between playing a male or female character
• Thirty-three (33) achievements.
• Collect forty-four (44) coins used to purchase items for your “office”
• Collect fourteen (14) pieces of evidence and thirteen (13) morphing photos
• Ten (10 wallpapers along with concept art, music and video sequences
• Replay eighteen (18) mini-games and seventeen (17) HOP scenes
• Choose between the level of difficulty (hard or easy) for the puzzles in the game within the menu.
• Judge’s Pocket Watch. The watch is a truth detector which allows the player to view the past as it truly happened as opposed to the statements from the suspects.
OVERVIEW/STORY: As a crime reporter, you are investigating the murder of Judge Maxwell McGregor. Your sister, Agatha, a lawyer under the mentorship of the judge, witnessed his murder in front of the court steps. You both have been mentioned in the judge’s will and the judge’s son has requested your presence at the reading of the will. On the island where the judge’s estate is located, you meet others who also have been invited. A masked avenger, the “Judge” informs all of you that one of you is the murderer. A storm has cut off communications with the mainland. Now, with a host of suspects, can you determine the culprit behind the murder while dealing with a deranged masked avenger?
BONUS GAME: The story is unrelated to that of the main game. Play Agatha Smith, the lawyer from the previous game. Your husband, Chuck, is a famous chemist working on formulating a new revolutionary medicine under the direction of Dr. Sharon Jones. When she is found murdered, your husband is the prime suspect. Now you must collect evidence to clear him of the charges and locate the actual killer. This is a decent addition to this game. There are ten (10) minigames and six (6) HOP scenes. I did not care for the story behind the whodunit; however, the puzzles and HOP scenes are excellent.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE MINIGAMES AFTER THE DEMO:
A. Match-3 puzzle. Match up 2 or more like-colored tokens on a 5 x 5 grid until all are removed. Moves can be made horizontally, vertically or diagonally.
B. Sequence puzzle. Choose the letters to spell the word “Justice” in the proper sequences as they move along a winding grid.
C. Battleship puzzle. On a grid avoid uncovering traps listed on map. The map indicates the number of traps abutting each square on the grid.
D. Sequence puzzle. Insert winding keys into a watch in the correct sequential order.
E. Domino puzzle. Place domino-style pieces end-to-end so each end matches with the domino piece which abuts it.
BONUS CHAPTER:
F. Connection puzzle. Connect two like tokens on a grid. The connections cannot overlap.
G. Logic puzzle. Read clues and match photos with the clues given.
H. Lock puzzle. Rotate and move lockpicks so all match up and mesh with lock segments
I. Chase the villain via a motorcycle while avoiding obstacles in your path. You can hit 3 obstacles before restarting.
B. Sequence puzzle. Choose the letters to spell the word “Justice” in the proper sequences as they move along a winding grid.
C. Battleship puzzle. On a grid avoid uncovering traps listed on map. The map indicates the number of traps abutting each square on the grid.
D. Sequence puzzle. Insert winding keys into a watch in the correct sequential order.
E. Domino puzzle. Place domino-style pieces end-to-end so each end matches with the domino piece which abuts it.
BONUS CHAPTER:
F. Connection puzzle. Connect two like tokens on a grid. The connections cannot overlap.
G. Logic puzzle. Read clues and match photos with the clues given.
H. Lock puzzle. Rotate and move lockpicks so all match up and mesh with lock segments
I. Chase the villain via a motorcycle while avoiding obstacles in your path. You can hit 3 obstacles before restarting.
I recommend this game!
Can you protect the Buried Kingdom from a dangerous supernatural foe?
Overall rating
5
/
5
128 of 227 found this review helpful
SAIL AWAY TO A FANTASY WORLD UNDER THE SEA
PostedMay 18, 2019
sunnyglow
fromLocation? At the tomb of Nezul, trying to force resurrected skeletons back into their graves. I wonder, however, if I will need a “skeleton key” to lock them up permanently?
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
REVIEW BASED UPON THE ENTIRE GAME:
6 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 43 Pages
6 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 43 Pages
OPINION: Pack your bags and set sail into a fantastic fantasy under the sea. This game has some incredibly beautiful graphics. It is a fairy-tale come to life! This is a decent sized game. The story is a well-written sequel with the major characters returning, including Droi, your pet dragon, who is now all grown up. He will be transporting you throughout the kingdom in this game. The game is devoted to one task, searching throughout the kingdom to locate and stop a misguided evildoer from causing chaos in the kingdom.
This game should appeal to all ages. There is a menagerie of adorable, cute dragons along with other animals and a plethora of fairy tale creatures. Nevertheless, thankfully, there are no helpers in this game. The pace is decent with plenty of interactive activities, including some creatively designed mini-games and HOP scenes. The collectibles, puzzle pieces and morphing objects, are easy to locate within the scenes.
There are only fourteen (14) HOP scenes within the game with some being mini-HOP scenes with searches for a small number of one item. There are the usual lists of items and silhouette scenes. There are also two FROG scenes. Some of the scenes are interactive ones in which the player searches for items and then replaces them back within the scene. Some of scenes have the option to play a matching puzzle in lieu of the scene.
There are thirty-three (33) mini-games and all can be replayed after the game is completed. They vary in style. Most are easy. Although most of the puzzles are creative, some of the puzzles seem more like HOP scenes than puzzles. As you listen to a story you locate and interact with items within the scene. To me, these are storybook HOP scenes, not puzzles! The puzzles are variations of those seen in other games.
OVERVIEW/STORY: Play Sarah, who has been summoned by her friend, Julie, to return to the buried kingdom under the sea. The kingdom is in grave danger. With the passing of the Mother Dragon, the kingdom is in chaos with the once docile dragons becoming hostile. Someone has awakened Nezul, a powerful shaman from his tomb. With resurrection crystals, skeletons have awakened and are attacking the kingdom. Help restore this kingdom to tranquility while discovering the surprising source behind this chaos.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 18 achievements. (5 story-based and 12 skill based)
• Collect twenty (20) morphing objects
• Collect twenty-five (25) puzzle pieces
• Fifteen (15) Wallpapers along with concept art and music.
• Replay eight (8) HOP scenes and thirty-three (33) mini-games
• 18 achievements. (5 story-based and 12 skill based)
• Collect twenty (20) morphing objects
• Collect twenty-five (25) puzzle pieces
• Fifteen (15) Wallpapers along with concept art and music.
• Replay eight (8) HOP scenes and thirty-three (33) mini-games
BONUS GAME: It is a sequel. When you are knocked unconscious, find yourself imprisoned in a tower by an evildoer. This person has stolen a special dragon egg to seize control of the kingdom. Your task is to stop him and hatch this very important egg through a ritual. There are two (2) HOP scenes and six (6) mini-games within this chapter. There are no collectibles. It has a heartwarming ending which provides a nice finale for the game. I felt it was of a decent length and worthy of the collector’s edition designation.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SAMPLES OF THE PUZZLES AFTER THE DEMO:
A. Connection puzzle. Connect one tube to another by rotating tiles to create a path.
B. Matching puzzle. Uncover leaves to match up like footprints.
C. Sequence puzzle. Move through a geyser-filled swamp by stuffing mushrooms into the holes of the geysers repeating a given sequence. 3X
D. Moving tiles puzzle. Move 16 red and yellow marbles along paths so that each marble is located within its like-colored half of the grid. Yellow marbles are on one side and red on the other.
E. Mirror puzzle. Place mirrors to direct 3 beams of colored light to their like-colored disks.
F. Storybook puzzle. As you listen to a story, place items into their proper location (There are several of these within the game)
G. Slat puzzle. Slide five slats up-and-down to restore an image. Moving one affects the others.
BONUS CHAPTER:
H. Connection puzzle. Move a marble through every point on a map without retracing steps.
I. Sequence puzzle. Remove bars in sequence to open a portal.
J. Rope puzzle. Untangle a rope so segments do not cross each other.
K. Switch puzzle. Switch pieces of an image until all are in the proper location
B. Matching puzzle. Uncover leaves to match up like footprints.
C. Sequence puzzle. Move through a geyser-filled swamp by stuffing mushrooms into the holes of the geysers repeating a given sequence. 3X
D. Moving tiles puzzle. Move 16 red and yellow marbles along paths so that each marble is located within its like-colored half of the grid. Yellow marbles are on one side and red on the other.
E. Mirror puzzle. Place mirrors to direct 3 beams of colored light to their like-colored disks.
F. Storybook puzzle. As you listen to a story, place items into their proper location (There are several of these within the game)
G. Slat puzzle. Slide five slats up-and-down to restore an image. Moving one affects the others.
BONUS CHAPTER:
H. Connection puzzle. Move a marble through every point on a map without retracing steps.
I. Sequence puzzle. Remove bars in sequence to open a portal.
J. Rope puzzle. Untangle a rope so segments do not cross each other.
K. Switch puzzle. Switch pieces of an image until all are in the proper location
I recommend this game!
Can you stop townspeople from turning into crystal in time?
Overall rating
2
/
5
88 of 172 found this review helpful
THE PLAGUE OF ST. GERMAIN
PostedMay 16, 2019
sunnyglow
fromIt is now crystal clear this series will be plagued by more encore appearances by St. Germain. I wonder if staring at this dwarf while playing the game would cause him to turn to stone, then crumble and go away!
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
OPINION: Get prepared for some surprises in this game including one small irritation as well! The only thing worse than the occasional slow pace I experienced playing the demo was the “pièce de résistance,” the dwarf, St. Germain. Surprise! His re-emergence dwarfs any other faults this game may possess. Cleverly, AMAX hid his irritating presence until the very end of the demo. St. Germain is immortal and so is his insidious presence in AMAX games!
On the plus side, the game is beautifully illustrated (sans one dastardly dwarf). Although the story is a little strange to me, I would have purchased it. I play games for the activities, so the story most times is inconsequential. However, St. Germain is such an annoying presence with his grunting and insidious presence, it destroyed my desire to continue with the game.
The HOP scenes are somewhat creatively designed. There are quite a few mini-HOP scenes in the demo which require searching for a small number of some item. There are also some multiple step ones with searches using two different formats. There is a variety of types including matching, search and replace, lists of items, and silhouette. Most are interactive.
The nine (9) minigames from the demo are on the easier side. There is one mini game which can be played in either an “casual” or “hard” mode. It appears that there are quite a few picture puzzles within the game. At the end of the demo there are three consecutive ones each presented in a different format. One involves switching puzzle pieces; a second involves rotating circles to match the picture; and a third is a slat puzzle in which slats are moved up-and-down and sideways to restore an image.
Puzzles pieces are also collected throughout the game for a picture puzzle available upon completion of the game. Most are easy to locate within the scenes. Not being a big fan of jigsaw and picture puzzles, this was another feature which made the game less appealing.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• Ten (10) achievements.
• Collect fifty-two (52) morphing puzzles pieces
• Receive a casket in which to place crystals
• Six (6) wallpapers along with five (5) screensavers, concept art, music and video sequences
• Replay thirteen (13) HOP scenes and thirteen (13) minigames
• Ten (10) achievements.
• Collect fifty-two (52) morphing puzzles pieces
• Receive a casket in which to place crystals
• Six (6) wallpapers along with five (5) screensavers, concept art, music and video sequences
• Replay thirteen (13) HOP scenes and thirteen (13) minigames
SPOILERS: HERE ARE THE MINIGAMES FROM THE DEMO:
A. Switch puzzle. Switch 4 horses so each is in the appropriate slot.
B. Sequence puzzle. Remove swords attached to 4 shields so none remain. Removing them from one shield affects the other 3.
C. Sliding tiles puzzle. Slide tokens on a circular grid until all are placed next to an associated image.
D. Tracing puzzle. Move a marble through a symbol without touching the sides.
E. Match-3 game. In 10 movies get the specific number of colored drops indicated by removing them by 3’s. Drops can be switched.
F. Choice between Casual and Hard. Sequence puzzle. Repeat a sequence give on 4 tokens to knock put an evildoer. 3X
Three (3) Consecutive picture puzzles
G. Switch puzzle. Switch pieces on a grid to restore an image
H. Rotating disks. Rotate disks with parts of an image so that the image is restored.
I. Slats puzzle. Move slats vertically and horizontally to restore an image.
B. Sequence puzzle. Remove swords attached to 4 shields so none remain. Removing them from one shield affects the other 3.
C. Sliding tiles puzzle. Slide tokens on a circular grid until all are placed next to an associated image.
D. Tracing puzzle. Move a marble through a symbol without touching the sides.
E. Match-3 game. In 10 movies get the specific number of colored drops indicated by removing them by 3’s. Drops can be switched.
F. Choice between Casual and Hard. Sequence puzzle. Repeat a sequence give on 4 tokens to knock put an evildoer. 3X
Three (3) Consecutive picture puzzles
G. Switch puzzle. Switch pieces on a grid to restore an image
H. Rotating disks. Rotate disks with parts of an image so that the image is restored.
I. Slats puzzle. Move slats vertically and horizontally to restore an image.
I don't recommend this game.
Can your love overcome a grudge that spans a thousand years?
Overall rating
3
/
5
96 of 169 found this review helpful
A GAME WHICH HAS A BEASTLY TRANSFORMATION AFTER THE DEMO
PostedMay 9, 2019
sunnyglow
fromSheepishly, I must admit this game is not “owl” that ” baa-d;” however, it is still “bearly” worth a hoot!
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
REVIEW BASED UPON THE ENTIRE GAME:
5 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 34 Pages
5 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 34 Pages
OPINION: Surprises await you in this game! The biggest surprise is that the quality and content are transformed after the demo. The story is a variation of Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet.” Star-crossed lovers (in this case the sun and moon) are shapeshifters, transforming into the respective animals of their feuding clans during opposite times of the day. The game is beautifully illustrated, a must-have for fairy tale lovers. Although there are animals within the game, there are no helpers.
Nevertheless, I found the game boring and the demo not representative of the actual game. I found the game rather short with few activities. Like the characters, the game itself transforms from a puzzle-intense game with few HOP scenes to the reverse after the demo. There are only twenty (20) mini-games in the entire game, including the bonus chapter. Half of those mini-games are in the demo. I was disappointed by the lack of puzzles and difficulty of the puzzles, most being extremely easy.
There are only nineteen (19) HOP scenes and most are lists of items which are minimally interactive. Nevertheless, there are two which I found creatively designed. In one scene, pages within books must be flipped to create the images to be removed. In another, items are searched for within a series of books and then replaced back into the books in the proper location. I wish this developer had more of these types of scenes.
There is a sidebar on the left side of the screen to indicate the number of collectibles which are remaining within that scene. All the scenes have two of each collectible (sheep and morphing objects). The sheep collected unlock five additional sheep at the end of the game. All are easy to locate. Throughout the game the player alternates between playing the two cursed lovers, Jacob and Alison. I recommend this game for those who like easy breezy games which are puzzle-lite or those who enjoy searching for lists of items in standard HOP scenes. I purchased this game and then regretted it.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• Ten (10) achievements – each with 3 parts.
• Collect fifty-six (56) sheep used to unlock 5 additional sheep at the end (2 per each scene)
• Collect fifty-six (56) morphing objects (2 per each scene)
• Eight (8) wallpapers along with four (4) screensavers, concept art, music and video sequences
• Replay thirteen (13) HOP scenes and fourteen (14) mini-games
• As Alison you get an owl which grants you magical abilities - Defense, Owl attack, Owl agility
• As Jacob you get a bear which grants you magical ability - Strength, Bear sight, Bear wisdom
• Ten (10) achievements – each with 3 parts.
• Collect fifty-six (56) sheep used to unlock 5 additional sheep at the end (2 per each scene)
• Collect fifty-six (56) morphing objects (2 per each scene)
• Eight (8) wallpapers along with four (4) screensavers, concept art, music and video sequences
• Replay thirteen (13) HOP scenes and fourteen (14) mini-games
• As Alison you get an owl which grants you magical abilities - Defense, Owl attack, Owl agility
• As Jacob you get a bear which grants you magical ability - Strength, Bear sight, Bear wisdom
OVERVIEW/STORY: A curse has been placed upon two Scottish lovers, Alison and Jacob, each from two feuding clans - the Owl Clan and the Bear Clan. Alison is transformed into an owl at night and Jacob is transformed into a bear during the day. In a tag-team effort, play both Alison and Jacob. Learn the history of the feud between the two clans. The Amulet of Oblivion is behind this curse. Is their love strong enough to defeat this curse?
BONUS CHAPTER: It is a prequel. Play Douglas of the Owl Clan. Upon giving your wife, Ayla, the Amulet of Oblivion, she is transformed into an owl. When she is imprisoned in the amulet you follow close behind. Locate your wife and escape the clutches of Vivian, who has made both of you her prisoners. The chapter has four (4) mini-games and six (6) of the most boring HOP scenes I have ever played. All the scenes are lists of items. I feel this chapter is not a worthy addition to a collector’s edition game.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE MINI-GAMES AFTER THE DEMO:
A. Search and replace puzzle. Search for 12 items out of place. Use an arrow to change the scene from front to back. Then place the items back into the scene in the appropriate location.
B. Switch puzzle. Switch and rotate disks to restore an image.
C. Logic puzzle. Arrange six pictures based on given clues so that love/hate relationships are established between the pictures
D. Weights and balances puzzle. Place weights by size onto a balance according to clues given so that both sides are equal. The largest weights must be at the bottom.
BONUS CHAPTER:
E. Mathematical puzzle. Move numbers on a 4 x 4 grid so that each row equals 34. (Just played the same puzzle last week).
F. Switch puzzle. Switch paintings so that each is in the proper location.
G. Matching puzzle. Match up owls in cages hidden behind curtains. Owls change position if you make a mistake.
B. Switch puzzle. Switch and rotate disks to restore an image.
C. Logic puzzle. Arrange six pictures based on given clues so that love/hate relationships are established between the pictures
D. Weights and balances puzzle. Place weights by size onto a balance according to clues given so that both sides are equal. The largest weights must be at the bottom.
BONUS CHAPTER:
E. Mathematical puzzle. Move numbers on a 4 x 4 grid so that each row equals 34. (Just played the same puzzle last week).
F. Switch puzzle. Switch paintings so that each is in the proper location.
G. Matching puzzle. Match up owls in cages hidden behind curtains. Owls change position if you make a mistake.
I recommend this game!
There is a shadow hanging over New York City and time is running out.
Overall rating
5
/
5
149 of 252 found this review helpful
BREAK OUT OF THE PLAGUE OF MEDIOCRE GAMES – UNMASK ONE OF THE BEST GAMES THIS YEAR
PostedMay 4, 2019
sunnyglow
fromKudos to Five-BN Games! This is a fantastic sci-fi fantasy game! Presently, I am stuck at the city water towers. Just hoping I can complete the timed escape puzzle without getting caught!
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
REVIEW BASED UPON THE ENTIRE GAME:
5 Chapters Plus a Bonus Game – Strategy Guide: 52 pages
5 Chapters Plus a Bonus Game – Strategy Guide: 52 pages
OPINION: What a fantastic game! This is a superb action-packed sci-fi delight! It is a very long game and well-worth the price. I seldom replay games; however, this is one which I feel is worthy of replaying. This game has a few surprises concerning the storyline. The plot is not disclosed until after the demo. The graphics are cartoon-like with some magnificent scenes of St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City. I found it a game of middle-difficulty. There are two types of collectibles; many are well-hidden within the scenes. Most scenes have a morphing object and one of the five (5) collectibles.
The game is puzzle-intense. There are forty-four (44) well-crafted puzzles within the game. This is not an easy-peasy game. Codes are not written down and placed in the inventory for reference in playing puzzles. The player must either write down or memorize the codes. The puzzles have well-written directions which is not always the case in many HOP games. They are explicit and easy to follow. I loved the timed escape puzzle. This is one of the most creative puzzles I have played this year. You must search for items to help you escape while avoiding guards.
There are only thirteen (13) HOP scenes. Nevertheless, the HOP scenes are some of the best I have played this year, and some have puzzles within the scenes. The HOP scenes are interactive. Most are silhouette and lists of items. However, many of the scenes require searching for an item and then using it within the scene to uncover more items from the list. There are puzzles within some of the HOP scenes. Throughout the game, there are instances where a specific number of some item must be searched within several scenes.
My favorite chapter is the one in which Laura must help an elderly woman organize and clean up her apartment. I felt this part of the game was creatively designed with plenty of puzzle-like activities included. With a fantastic story, a good pace, interactive and creatively designed HOP scenes along with well-designed puzzles, this is one game you will not want to miss!
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• Twenty-two (22) achievements.
• Collect thirty-one (31) morphing objects
• Collect 9 feathers, 6 vinyl records, 10 medallions, 7 shamrocks and 9 figurines of St. Patrick
• Eleven (11) wallpapers along with concept art, music and video sequences
• Replay thirteen (13) mini-games
• For each collection of the collectibles completed – a new puzzle, a mosaic puzzle is added.
• Collect all the morphing objects to receive another 20 levels of a bonus mini-game.
• Twenty-two (22) achievements.
• Collect thirty-one (31) morphing objects
• Collect 9 feathers, 6 vinyl records, 10 medallions, 7 shamrocks and 9 figurines of St. Patrick
• Eleven (11) wallpapers along with concept art, music and video sequences
• Replay thirteen (13) mini-games
• For each collection of the collectibles completed – a new puzzle, a mosaic puzzle is added.
• Collect all the morphing objects to receive another 20 levels of a bonus mini-game.
OVERVIEW/STORY: As a member of the Order of the White Stone, you, Laura, investigate cases involving the supernatural. When you are kidnapped, you find yourself an amusement park. There you learn that there is an outbreak of a deadly disease. Meet Travis, a scientist who informs you that he developed a powerful antidote for this disease and was kidnapped as well. As you prepare to help Travis reformulate this antidote, you soon discover you are being deceived. The truth is being masked – hidden from you. Now, you must learn the reality of this situation and take steps to rectify it.
BONUS CHAPTER: Return to the past during the construction of St. Patrick’s Cathedral. In the catacombs beneath the newly constructed cathedral are ruins from an ancient civilization. Members from the Order are now missing beneath this cathedral. You, as one of the Order’s members must locate them, one of which is your own daughter. The chapter is long with seven (7) mini-games and three (3) HOP scenes. Collect the ten (10) emblems from the Order within this chapter. I found this chapter similar in quality to the main game.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE MINI-GAMES AFTER THE DEMO:
A. Maze puzzle. Choose the correct paths to get through a ventilation system. No map is given – simply trial and error in this puzzle.
B. Sequence puzzle. On a grid – turn off all lights. Clicking on a light will either turn it on if it is off or the inverse – turning it off if it is on.
C. Clock puzzle. Set the time. Move hands of a clock to set the time as per clues seen within the game. There are 3 latches to open which require three different times.
D. Mathematical/Switch puzzle. Switch numbers in each of four rows so that each row adds up to 34.
E. Matching puzzle. Place cubes with colors on four sides into a box so that each cube has contiguous colors with the cubes next to it
F. Timed puzzle. Escape/maze puzzle. Within the time allotted get to a designated location (water tanks) while avoiding guards in your path. Interact with the scenes to locate necessary items. Excellent and one of the best puzzles to come out this year.
BONUS CHAPTER:
G. Mathematical/Connection puzzle. On a number grid, connect numbers so each set adds up to 15 and all the numbers are used.
H. Alignment puzzle. On a grid with planets, move the planets so all align in a specific position on the grid. Moving one planet affects the others.
I. Switch puzzle. Switch the positions of blue and red tokens on a grid. Tokens can move only by jumping over another token or to an empty space. (In HOP scene)
B. Sequence puzzle. On a grid – turn off all lights. Clicking on a light will either turn it on if it is off or the inverse – turning it off if it is on.
C. Clock puzzle. Set the time. Move hands of a clock to set the time as per clues seen within the game. There are 3 latches to open which require three different times.
D. Mathematical/Switch puzzle. Switch numbers in each of four rows so that each row adds up to 34.
E. Matching puzzle. Place cubes with colors on four sides into a box so that each cube has contiguous colors with the cubes next to it
F. Timed puzzle. Escape/maze puzzle. Within the time allotted get to a designated location (water tanks) while avoiding guards in your path. Interact with the scenes to locate necessary items. Excellent and one of the best puzzles to come out this year.
BONUS CHAPTER:
G. Mathematical/Connection puzzle. On a number grid, connect numbers so each set adds up to 15 and all the numbers are used.
H. Alignment puzzle. On a grid with planets, move the planets so all align in a specific position on the grid. Moving one planet affects the others.
I. Switch puzzle. Switch the positions of blue and red tokens on a grid. Tokens can move only by jumping over another token or to an empty space. (In HOP scene)
I recommend this game!